HISTORY

The Center for Computer Aided Design (CCAD) at The University of Iowa was founded in 1981 by Prof. Edward J. Haug. CCAD has seen the creation of the Iowa Driving Simulator (IDS), which was the first of its kind in the nation, and the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS), which has become one of the most advanced driving simulators in the world. Over the years, the center has branched out into a variety of aspects concerning computer-aided design, including digital human modeling, simulation, reliability and durability analysis, cognitive modeling, and operator performance analysis.

Since its inception, CCAD has maintained high technology-transfer efforts and has pursued higher levels of productivity (scholarships, metrics, and funding). CCAD has grown to over 100 researchers and permanent staff and has created many strategic partnerships with government and corporate entities.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Center for Computer Aided Design is to conduct basic and applied research in the design, optimization, modeling, and simulation of materials, structures, vehicles, and mechanical and bio-mechanical systems, to advance the educational and research mission of the College of Engineering, and to transfer research results to a broad spectrum of academic, industrial, and government constituencies.